Drew McIntyre’s connection to Rangers Football Club is much more than a simple endorsement of a team he supports. As one of the most recognizable figures in WWE, McIntyre has become an influential ambassador for the club, using his global platform to share his deep-rooted passion for the team. His love for Rangers isn’t just about a public show of loyalty; it runs through his veins and is integral to his identity. This connection has been tested, however, over the years, as the club has faced its fair share of struggles both on and off the field. McIntyre’s candid remarks on the state of the club offer a rare and insightful perspective into the emotional highs and lows that Rangers fans, like him, endure.

Rangers have long been a club with rich history and tradition, but recent years have been marked by instability. The club’s recent run of five consecutive home losses for the first time in its history speaks volumes about the challenges Rangers are facing. This unprecedented slump came after the club parted ways with their fourth manager in as many years, Philippe Clement. The constant managerial turnover has left Rangers fans feeling anxious and uncertain about the club’s future. For McIntyre, who has followed the club passionately for decades, it’s a heartbreaking reality. It’s not just a football club to him; it’s a part of his life, his identity, and his culture.

As a die-hard Rangers fan, McIntyre has always been willing to call out the shortcomings of the team, even if it means confronting the difficult truths about his beloved club. When it comes to the managerial situation, McIntyre’s thoughts are particularly interesting, as they offer a glimpse into the complex emotions of a fan who has seen it all, from moments of glory to crushing disappointment. One of the names that continues to come up in discussions about who could be the next permanent manager is Steven Gerrard, who made a significant impact during his time at Ibrox. However, McIntyre’s feelings about Gerrard are mixed, especially after the Liverpool legend’s abrupt departure for Aston Villa in 2021.

In his interview with The Overlap US, McIntyre made it clear that while he felt deeply hurt by Gerrard’s decision to leave, he would be open to forgiving him if the former manager returned and managed to bring the club back to success. “Gerrard broke my heart,” McIntyre admitted. “It would be tough to forgive him, but if he does come back and he gets us back in our winning ways, then I will give him a mighty hug and I will forgive him.” These words reveal the deep emotional connection that McIntyre, like many Rangers fans, has to the club and to Gerrard himself. While McIntyre acknowledges the pain of Gerrard’s departure, he also recognizes the undeniable impact that Gerrard had during his time at Rangers. Gerrard’s success in halting Celtic’s pursuit of ten consecutive league titles, and his ability to restore some stability to the club, left a lasting legacy. However, his abrupt departure, particularly when Rangers were in a strong position, felt like a betrayal to many fans who had believed in him.

McIntyre’s mixed emotions about Gerrard’s exit are shared by a large segment of the Rangers fanbase. On the one hand, there is admiration for what Gerrard achieved during his time at Ibrox. He halted Celtic’s historic attempt to win ten titles in a row, a monumental achievement that etched him into Rangers’ history. On the other hand, there’s the feeling of abandonment, as Gerrard left at a crucial juncture, when his job wasn’t finished and the team still needed leadership. McIntyre’s willingness to forgive Gerrard if he returns is not just about a fan’s emotional resilience; it reflects the broader hope that Rangers can once again find a way back to glory. For McIntyre, and many others, if Gerrard were to return and succeed in getting Rangers back on track, it would be a moment of reconciliation and redemption.

Despite this, McIntyre has expressed a level of caution when it comes to the idea of Gerrard’s return. He knows that managing Rangers, especially after the turmoil of recent seasons, is no easy task. The expectations placed on the manager of a club as historically significant as Rangers are immense. McIntyre acknowledges that while Gerrard’s name carries weight, it’s important for the club to make the right decision at this pivotal moment. This cautious approach is something McIntyre has echoed in his support for Barry Ferguson, who is currently in charge on an interim basis. Ferguson, a legendary Rangers captain, has stepped in at a time when the club desperately needs stability. McIntyre is quick to voice his support for Ferguson, emphasizing his understanding of what it means to play for Rangers and the pride that comes with wearing the club’s jersey.

“I never want anyone to lose their job,” McIntyre said, speaking about the pressure on Rangers’ managers. He followed that by noting, “But the last gaffer, he shall not be named, I was like God, please get rid of him.” McIntyre’s words reveal his frustration with the club’s recent managerial appointments, many of which have not worked out as planned. However, he’s optimistic that Ferguson could be the right person to steady the ship in the short term. “Somebody that knows what it’s like to play for the jersey, someone who knows what it’s like to truly be a Rangers player,” McIntyre said, pointing out Ferguson’s deep connection to the club. Ferguson understands the unique pressures of managing Rangers, particularly the fierce rivalry with Celtic and the expectations that come with it. For McIntyre, Ferguson’s familiarity with the club’s culture, combined with his leadership qualities, makes him a valuable asset in this period of transition.

McIntyre’s belief in Ferguson’s abilities is rooted in the legendary midfielder’s experience at Ibrox, where he enjoyed a successful career and earned the adoration of Rangers fans. Ferguson’s knowledge of the club’s inner workings, his passion for Rangers, and his ability to connect with the fans make him a strong candidate for the job, at least in the interim. McIntyre’s reflection on Ferguson’s time in charge so far speaks to the stability the club needs at this moment. “Especially if you go against Celtic,” McIntyre recalls with pride. “That was a good week where we beat Fenerbahce and we beat Celtic in the same week.” These victories, though few in a challenging season, are a testament to the fighting spirit that Ferguson instills in the team. McIntyre seems to believe that Ferguson’s intimate knowledge of the club, combined with his leadership qualities, could be the key to rebuilding Rangers’ confidence and identity.

McIntyre’s support for Ferguson also underscores his broader view on the need for patience. He believes that Rangers, after a period of managerial instability, should take their time before rushing into another appointment. The club must carefully consider their next move, weighing not only the success of the potential manager but also their ability to handle the intense pressures that come with managing a club of Rangers’ stature. The next permanent manager must not only have the tactical acumen but also the emotional intelligence to handle the passionate fanbase, the high expectations, and the deep-rooted rivalries that define Scottish football.

At its core, McIntyre’s stance on the managerial situation at Rangers is a reflection of his loyalty to the club and its supporters. For McIntyre, this is more than just about football; it’s about identity, pride, and a shared sense of community. His emotional investment in the club is clear, and whether it’s Gerrard, Ferguson, or someone else entirely, McIntyre’s hope for Rangers is that they can find the right leader to restore the club to its former glory. He recognizes that the road to success will not be easy, but as a lifelong supporter, he remains hopeful that better days are ahead for his beloved Rangers. Through the highs and the lows, McIntyre will continue to stand by the club, unwavering in his support and belief that they can overcome the challenges that lie ahead.